India, Rajasthan, Jodhpur

Jodhpur (Rajasthani: जोधाणा; Hindi: जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is located 335 kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

Evening light of the setting Sun on Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates Seen in the foreground are tourist buses that bring lots of visitors daily to the Fort. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill where it is located. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine. The Palace is divided into three functional parts – the residence of the royal family, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, and a Museum focusing on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.

Windows and doorways of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Very intricate design work is done on the walls. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, looks down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Attendants inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Cannons of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Cannons of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

View of the city from inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Inside the fort, a series of courtyards and palaces greet the visitor. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Smartly dressed and ever smiling & courteous attendants inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history.

Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Little boy playing a musical instrument in Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Jharokhas (windows) of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

View of the blue city as seen from Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur which is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. One can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Cannons of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur protecting the blue city. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Series of courtyards and palaces greet the visitor. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Inside the fort, a series of courtyards and palaces greet the visitor. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Inside Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Inside the fort, a series of courtyards and palaces greet the visitor. The palace apartments house a splendid collection of the trappings of the Indian royalty. The fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to have a glimpse of the artillery system of the Rajput warriors. One can have a bird's eye view of the city from the fort. Situated at an altitude of about 125 metres, the Mehrangarh Fort is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

View of the blue city of Jodhpur as seen from the magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Windows and doorways of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Very intricate design work is done on the walls. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Windows and doorways of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Very intricate design work is done on the walls. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Stain glass windows and doorways of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Very intricate design work is done on the walls. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Windows and doorways of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Very intricate design work is done on the walls. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts, looks down protectively over the city, from the hilltop. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history.

Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Mehrangarh Fort was founded in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur.Mehrangarh appears to rise from bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself , so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin. It is approached by a series of seven gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away . Across from huge courtyards are the set wings of palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history.

Today, managed as a museum by the royal trust that maintains it, only some of the more spectacular palaces of Mehrangarh are open to the visitors .These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule ; Jhanki Mahal , the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events ; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed ; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne ; and the Rang Mahal where the maharaja would play Holi with his Zenana .Also noteworthy are Sheesh Mahal , Phool Mahal , Umaid Vilas and Maan Vilas , while a large tent seized from the Mughals in battle is spread for viewing in what has came to be referred to as the Tent Room. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Magnificent Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan's finest forts. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km with seven gates. Located within the Fort is a Hindu Temple. One could drive up or walk to the top of the small and not so steep hill. Driving or walking up, the sheer rock face from where emerges the tall and massive sandstone wall of Mehrangarh looks awesome indeed. The fort has seven gates of which the noted ones are the Jayapol, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806; Fatehpol or the Victory Gate built by Maharaja Ajit Singh; and the Lohapol or the Iron Gate. The 15 handprints, the sati marks of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843, can be seen beside the Lohapol. On the wall, one can see the strategically located cannons. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India.

Part of daily life in Jodhpur city. The lady who is a daughter-in-law sorting the tobacco leaves while sitting at the entrance to the small home. Jodhpur is a very popular places for tourists to experience life in Rajasthan, India.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Maharaja Umaid Singh was a person with elegant and sophisticated taste. He was deeply attracted to the western lifestyle and its elegant architectures. With this thought he hired the famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, for the Umaid Bhavan Palace. The maharaja got the palace constructed with the purpose of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms. All the rooms are spacious, gorgeously decorated and reflect a rich ambience. Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in India. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India. The attractions of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum. The well appointed museum showcases an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.

Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Construction begun in 1929, and took 15 years to complete. Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, continues to live in part of the building. The rest has been converted into a hotel.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Maharaja Umaid Singh was a person with elegant and sophisticated taste. He was deeply attracted to the western lifestyle and its elegant architectures. With this thought he hired the famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, for the Umaid Bhavan Palace. The maharaja got the palace constructed with the purpose of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms. All the rooms are spacious, gorgeously decorated and reflect a rich ambience. Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in India. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India. The attractions of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum. The well appointed museum showcases an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.

Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Construction begun in 1929, and took 15 years to complete. Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, continues to live in part of the building. The rest has been converted into a hotel.

Ladies with children visiting Umaid Bhawan. Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum in Jodhpur was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Maharaja Umaid Singh was a person with elegant and sophisticated taste. He was deeply attracted to the western lifestyle and its elegant architectures. With this thought he hired the famous Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, for the Umaid Bhavan Palace. The maharaja got the palace constructed with the purpose of providing employment to famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms. All the rooms are spacious, gorgeously decorated and reflect a rich ambience. Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in India. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India. The attractions of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum. The well appointed museum showcases an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.

Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Construction begun in 1929, and took 15 years to complete. Umaid Singh died in 19478, four years after the palace was completed; the current Maharaja Gaj Singh II, continues to live in part of the building. The rest has been converted into a hotel.

Umaid Bhawan Palace (Chittar Palace) was built in November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill where it is located. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Murals, paintings and other exhibits at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.